Corporate Equality Index: 2005 Corporate Statements

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The following companies have provided statements on the 2005 Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index.

Alston & Bird LLP

Ben F. Johnson, Managing Partner, Alston & Bird

“The success of Alston & Bird depends on our ability to attract, support and develop the strongest possible talent. Our goal is to have a transparent meritocracy and to create an environment that is the best place anywhere to practice law. The best possible talent comes in different packages. If we’re recognized as an open, inclusive, transparent meritocracy we’ll attract more of it. We’re proud to join the many other fine companies that have been recognized with a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. We’re also proud of the leadership roles our people have played at the HRC.” [Watch the video statement]

American Airlines

“By creating the Corporate Equality Index, the Human Rights Campaign has given companies in every sector a meaningful, achievable standard and an effective way to differentiate themselves for discerning customers and employees. A score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index has grown to brand status — a symbol denoting fair-minded companies who show sensitivity and intention in policies on employment and customer service. American Airlines is proud to stand with the impressive and growing list of corporations that are multi-year recipients as we are, and we welcome those companies who are joining the list for the first time this year.”

AT&T

Mirian Graddick-Weir, Executive Vice President, AT&T Human Resources

“For the third consecutive year, AT&T is pleased to receive a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. We’re especially proud because this recognition shows that our longstanding commitment to diversity is paying off. Treating each other with dignity and respect is one of our corporate values, as well as the cornerstone of our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We strive to accept, value and leverage each other’s differences to benefit our employees, customers and communities.”

Avaya Inc.

Don Peterson, Chairman and CEO, Avaya Inc.

“Avaya is honored to earn 100 percent on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index for the fourth consecutive year. This recognition comes as Avaya is preparing to celebrate our fifth anniversary and I’m proud to say that from our first day, we have embraced diversity as one of our core values. We have a strong diverse workforce including employee groups such as EQUAL! @ Avaya, our employee business partner group for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees. Diversity is a strength that helps us achieve our goal to provide the world’s best communications solutions enabling businesses to excel. It empowers us to relate well with each other and our customers and be better prepared to face our competition and continue to lead in this highly competitive marketplace.”

Best Buy Co.

Herschel Herndon, Chief Diversity Officer, Best Buy Co.

“Best Buy is building a culture where employees learn, grow and contribute every day. That’s why we’re honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for our efforts in diversity. We value every individual — the unique talents, knowledge and passions of each employee drives Best Buy’s success. We are confident this genuinely held philosophy will enhance our ability to recruit and retain the best employees and customers — now and into the future.”

Borders Group Inc.

“This is the second consecutive year Borders Group has earned a 100 percent score on the HRC Corporate Equality Index and we are proud to have achieved this distinction. We commend HRC for putting a national focus on diversity in the workplace. Borders Group was founded with an understanding that knowledge, the sharing of ideas and individual viewpoints are at the core of our ability to meet a wide range of customer needs in our more than 1,200 Borders and Waldenbooks stores around the globe. At Borders Group, diversity is a business imperative linked to our strategic objectives, sales growth, corporate culture, product selection, employee population, vendor community and customer base. The unique backgrounds of our employees, customers and vendors contribute to our ongoing success and growth.”

California State Auto Association

Marie Andel, Vice President of People & Performance Division, California State Auto Association

“On behalf of CSAA executive management and our board of directors, I am honored that the Human Rights Campaign advocacy group has recognized our commitment to diversity by giving us a perfect score for our treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees.
“At the same time, we realize this is not about scoring well once but about making a long-term commitment, one that will continue to grow in 2006, when we make diversity a core company value. What this means is that everyone at CSAA, from executive to front-line employee, will be accountable for modeling a set of behaviors consistent with building a diverse and inclusive environment.
“Diversity is so much more than tolerance of differences. It’s about understanding how to leverage those differences, incorporate them into business decisions, processes and practices, and, as a result, enrich your company’s culture and your customers’ experience. I am very proud of CSAA’s commitment to diversity and commitment to being a great place to work.”

Cargill Inc.

“We are proud to be counted among the 100 companies to earn a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index. It is good to know that our efforts to promote an equitable, safe and supportive work environment for our GLBT employees are recognized and appreciated.
“When people feel valued, they give more of their energy, ideas and commitment — which are critical for the success of any company. At Cargill we strive to reflect the full range of talents, perspectives and cultures of the global marketplace we compete in, the customers we serve and the communities in which we live.
“Some recent actions we’ve taken toward that end include instituting domestic partner benefits in 2004 and launching a ‘safe space’™ program* in 2005 in which employees can choose to signal through the display of a special magnet that their workspaces are safe places for GLBT colleagues and customers to talk about personal issues that may be impacting work.
“Through these and other actions, we believe we are creating the kind of workplace that everyone can feel good about working in. We are gratified that the Human Rights
Campaign Foundation has recognized our efforts for the second straight year.”
* The Safe Space program name and logo are trademarks of Equal! at Lucent Technologies and are used with permission.

Charles Schwab & Company

“From its inception, Schwab has been committed to demystifying investing and helping our clients build wealth. For many, wealth can be defined as reaching beyond the creation of financial security. Wealth is also quality of life, the totality of our experiences and the fulfillment of our dreams. We believe that diversity and inclusion foster wealth. We believe in diverse portfolios and cultures.
“Schwab recognizes the imperative to change and grow by continuing to push leading-edge human resource practices that evolve with the diverse needs of all of our employees and our communities. Our deep roots in diversity and our mission, ‘To provide the most useful and ethical financial services in the world,’ attract employees and clients who share that same vision. We are proud to be recognized by HRC as one of the few leading organizations committed to the continued, long-term efforts to truly foster inclusion.”

Chevron Corporation

Alan Preston, Vice President, Human Resources, Chevron Corporation

“Chevron Corporation is honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for earning a perfect score on HRC’s 2005 Corporate Equality Index. Diversity and inclusion are part of Chevron’s core values. Our commitment to diversity is guided by the continually changing expectations of our employees, customers and communities. Our commitment to diversity and respect of all people is critical to our success, and we actively support initiatives that assist our LGBT employees. We are extremely proud to accept this distinction in recognition of Chevron’s diversity efforts and the outstanding contributions our LGBT employees and the Chevron Lesbian and Gay Employees Association have made to the company.”

ChoicePoint Inc.

Derek V. Smith, Chairman and CEO, ChoicePoint Inc.

“Gaining a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year is a tremendous achievement for our company. The success that we enjoy in managing our business is a direct reflection of our success in embracing the diversity of our talented associates. Our corporate philosophy of mutual respect and inclusion has allowed us to become a better, stronger organization by recognizing that what makes us different makes us stronger.”

The Chubb Corporation

John D. Finnegan, Chairman, President and CEO, The Chubb Corporation

“The past few years have been outstanding for Chubb based on many measures; however, we take particular pride in knowing that our financial success has been achieved at the same time we have been widely recognized by others as a company that consistently treats its employees, customers and investors with dignity, fairness and respect. Our results, and those of other leading companies that regularly achieve perfect scores on the Corporate Equality Index, suggest that equal treatment for LGBT individuals in the workplace and marketplace makes good business sense. Accordingly, we try each year to build upon the progress we have made in prior years. In 2005, we introduced a leadership program tailored for our high-potential LGBT employees and joined a coalition of corporate and nonprofit organizations that support the end of taxation of domestic partner benefits. We are pleased that such efforts have led us to be recognized as a leading employer by the HRC and the LGBT community.” [Watch the video statement]

Cisco Systems

John Chambers, President and CEO, Cisco Systems

“Cisco believes that an inclusive culture embraces the diverse resources, talents and skills of our employees, business partners and customers. It is truly an honor to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for our commitment to workforce diversity and fair treatment of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender employees, customers, and investors.”

Citigroup

Ana Duarte McCarthy, Director, Global Workforce Diversity, Citigroup

“Citigroup is pleased and honored once again to receive a 100 percent score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2005 Corporate Equality Index. We realize that equality and inclusiveness isn’t just the right thing to do; they’re also very good for the bottom line. Diversity is a key component of our overall business strategy and is critical to meet our objective to be the employer of choice, service provider of choice, business partner of choice and neighbor of choice globally. Providing an inclusive and respectful environment for the LGBT communities is a critical component of meeting that objective.”

CMP Media

Alix Raine, Senior Vice President Communications, CMP Media

“CMP Media is proud to be recognized for the second year in a row by the Human Rights Campaign for our commitment to diversity and respect. The 100 percent score on the Corporate Equity Index showcases the value we place on all our employees and our unique environment supporting innovation, acceptance and knowledge-sharing.”

Coors Brewing Company

Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Coors Brewing Company

“We are honored to receive a perfect score of 100 percent for the second year in a row on the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. At Coors, we recognize that differences among us contribute to our success and make us more competitive in the marketplace. In 1978 we were one of the first major corporations and the first in the alcohol beverage industry to institute a non-discrimination policy that protects our employees regardless of sexual orientation. In 1995, Coors became the first brewer to offer same-sex partner benefits. We also support a wide range of health and AIDS causes, community groups and pride events nationwide. Looking to the future, we remain committed to progressive employment policies and to continued support of the GLBT community. Thank you, HRC Foundation, for recognizing Coors and other companies for our GLBT achievements. You are an important partner to us and we appreciate all you do to support and promote diversity.”

Credit Suisse First Boston

Brady W. Dougan, Chief Executive Officer, Credit Suisse First Boston

“Credit Suisse First Boston is honored and proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for earning a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index. At CSFB, it is our people, our culture and the top-tier service that we provide to our clients that differentiates us in the financial services marketplace. CSFB is committed to ensuring that all our employees have the opportunity to succeed. Our support of the LGBT community is based on creating a culture of inclusion and extends to our employees, policies, programs and external outreach”

Cummins Inc.

Tim Solso, CEO, Cummins Inc.

“At Cummins we have worked hard to create an environment where differing perspectives are embraced and where our workforce reflects the diversity of the global marketplace in which we operate.
“Because of that, we are especially honored to be among the companies recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for earning a perfect score on its Corporate Equality Index and we commend the Human Rights Campaign for its efforts to promote workplace equity.
“A company is only as good as the quality of its people and their innovation. We firmly believe that our commitment to diversity in all its facets plays a significant role in attracting talent to Cummins. Diversity is a deeply held core value that is central to our efforts to serve our customers and our communities in the best possible way.”

Dell Inc.

Thurmond B. Woodard, Vice President, Global Diversity, Dell Inc.

“Dell strives to provide an inclusive workplace in which all employees are embraced as an integral part of the team. Our GLBT policies ensure that all individuals have an opportunity to contribute to the company’s success. Receiving a 100 percent score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2005 Corporate Equality Index attests to the progress we are making in providing Dell with broader access to talent and shaping our company’s winning culture.”

The Dow Chemical Company

“The Dow Chemical Company is proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for receiving a perfect score in the 2005 Corporate Equality Index. At Dow, one of our core values is Respect for People — all people. Creating a welcoming environment where employees feel empowered to be themselves is one of the core elements of a truly diverse and inclusive culture. This culture leads to a rich mix of people; and people are Dow’s main source of competitive advantage. We thank the HRC for its recognition of our efforts to create a truly fair and equitable workplace.”

Ernst and Young

John Ferraro, Vice Chair, Client Service, Ernst & Young

“People are our greatest asset and we are committed to an inclusive, flexible work environment that values diversity of thought and people. Ernst & Young is proud to be recognized for having a 100 percent rating on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index because we take pride in our culture of inclusiveness.” [Watch the video statement]

Faegre & Benson

Thomas G. Morgan, Management Committee Chair, Faegre & Benson

“For the second year in a row the Human Rights Campaign has awarded the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP a perfect score of 100 percent in its fourth annual 2005 Corporate Equality Index, which measures how U.S. companies treat their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees and clients. We are proud of this important recognition from the HRC. We strongly believe that our efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace are key to our remaining an effective and competitive law firm. We know that in order to provide first-rate legal services, we must capitalize on a wide variety of perspectives and insights. That includes the perspectives and insights which our gay and lesbian attorneys and staff bring to the table.”

Freescale Semiconductor Inc.

“The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender organization that effectively educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community. Freescale Semiconductor is proud to be awarded a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index by the Human Rights Campaign. We have sought to make our community an inclusive environment where our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees feel comfortable working, sharing their life experiences and growing as we grow our business. It is through diversity that we as an organization can best serve our community, our employees and our shareholders. We have consistently striven to ensure that our commitment to diversity goes beyond words and is supported by action, making Freescale an employer of choice that embraces the principles of the Human Rights Campaign.”

Gap Inc.

Eva Sage-Gavin, EVP Human Resources, Gap Inc.

“We’re thrilled that Gap Inc. has received a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2005 Corporate Equality Index as we strive to be a company where people build their careers in an environment that reflects and respects individual diversity.”

General Mills

Steve Sanger, CEO, General Mills

“Diversity is a fundamental value at General Mills. It’s reflected throughout our company — in our employees, in our consumers, in our suppliers and in our products.
“We see diversity at General Mills as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to enrich our culture with people of many different backgrounds. It’s an opportunity to help develop the economies of our communities. And, it’s an opportunity to become a company that better reflects the world we all live in.
“A fundamental value like diversity doesn’t expire. It continues to evolve, and it continues to grow. We have goals every year — and we believe in setting goals and objectives to stay focused, to measure progress — but there is no ultimate, last goal, just as there is no single goal in business … or in life. Other than perhaps to be better.”

GlaxoSmithKline

Jean-Pierre Garnier, Chief Executive Officer, GlaxoSmithKline

“At GlaxoSmithKline, we are dedicated to inclusive policies and practices that help us understand and respond better to our employees, our patients and our communities. This strategy helps us make GlaxoSmithKline a better company where we can help the largest number of people do more, feel better and live longer. We are pleased to receive the HRC Foundation’s rating as it is an important validation of our ongoing commitment to diversity and of our regard for the GLBT community.”

Hewlett Packard

Emily Duncan, Vice President, Culture and Diversity, Hewlett Packard

“We are very honored and encouraged to receive a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. At HP, we have learned that creating a stimulating, diverse culture of inclusion is not a destination. It is a journey of continuous action — one that is best guided by deeply held values, as well as a keen sense of the marketplace. With customers in more than 170 countries, we appreciate that diversity is smart business and is essential for us to deliver more to our customers.”

IBM Corporation

“IBM has a distinctive heritage of promoting inclusion in the workplace and marketplace throughout the past century. We have done so before it was required by law or politically correct. As a global company, we are proud of that heritage because it is consistent with our corporate values.
“Inclusion, by definition, is about allowing people to be who they are, no matter where they are. In our workplace, we are creating an environment that allows employees to operate in the marketplace and the workplace where they can personally influence client success, foster innovation, as well as exhibit trust and personal responsibility in achieving IBM’s business goals.
“Our partnership with HRC has helped us to ensure that people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender feel safe, welcomed and valued within the global walls of our business. Our goal is to assemble the most talented workforce in our industry, and to use the skills of that diverse team to respond to the needs of our clients. The contributions that are made by GLBT IBMers accrue directly to our bottom line and ensure the success of our business. The HRC platform for inclusion is an important social and business issue of today, and is consistent with IBM’s goal to have the most talented workforce, and remain the company of choice in the marketplace.”

Intel Corporation

“At Intel, we believe that respect for the individual is an essential ingredient of innovation and excellent business performance. With a workforce of more than 90,000 around the globe, we put our dedication to diversity into practice every day. Our position as a leader in the technology industry depends on fostering an environment that celebrates the unique experiences, talents, skills and perspectives of our employees. For the fourth year in a row, Intel is proud to have achieved a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. We welcome the HRC’s acknowledgement of our longstanding policies, initiatives and programs for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender employees.”

Jenner & Block LLP

Gregory S. Gallopoulos, Managing Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

“Two years ago, Jenner & Block was proud to have been one of the first law firms in the country to be voluntarily rated by the HRC. We are even more gratified to have achieved a perfect 100 percent rating from the HRC.
“This latest acknowledgement of Jenner & Block’s traditional GLBT-friendly work environment appropriately follows the firm’s historic 2003 victory in Lawrence v. Texas, a Supreme Court gay rights case, which the Legal Times called ‘a landmark of the decade if not the century.’ And it is surely consistent with Jenner & Block’s long history of defending the civil liberties of all Americans and fighting discrimination of any kind based upon their race, color, creed, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital, veteran or parental status or disability.”

Jenner & Block LLP

William Hohengarten, Partner, Jenner & Block LLP

“This shows the world how committed Jenner & Block continues to be to an GLBT- friendly work environment.”

Johnson & Johnson

Frank A. Bolden, Vice President, Diversity, Johnson & Johnson

“As companies become increasingly focused on winning in the global marketplace, diversity emerges as an important priority. At Johnson & Johnson we believe developing a workforce that embraces the differences and similarities among employees is a key competitive advantage. Recognizing, encouraging, respecting and celebrating unique contributions of individuals of all backgrounds and life experiences are important actions in continually improving the quality of our workforce.
“Johnson & Johnson is proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign for achieving a perfect score on the 2005 Corporate Equality Index. Our global diversity vision, deeply rooted in ‘Our Credo,’ is to become the Employer of Choice in a Dynamic Global Environment. This fine recognition by the Human Rights Campaign is an indication of the progress we have made toward achieving that goal, as well as a reminder of the progress still to be made to achieve our vision.”

JP Morgan Chase

“Since the inception of the Corporate Equality Index in 2002, JP Morgan, Chase has been proud to take its place among those companies who provide fair and equal treatment to LGBT employees, consumers and investors. As HRC enhances the criteria it uses to assess a company’s commitment to equality in the workplace, we here at JP Morgan, Chase hope to retain our 100 percent score. And as the number of companies who achieve a perfect score continues to grow, we congratulate the new firms on the list — and we call for all others to take the necessary steps to get there.”

Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

Niki Leondakis, COO, Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants

“Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants is proud of our 100 percent score on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, and we are even more proud to be the very first hospitality company to receive this score last year. Kimpton prides itself on progressive personal polices and creating a warm and welcoming environment for our guests and staff. Our goal is to deliver on the promise of late founder Bill Kimpton, to cultivate a strong family culture at the company. Family means everyone! We salute the Human Rights Campaign in their work to promote diversity and equality for every person across the United States.”

Lehman Brothers

“Lehman Brothers is proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for the third consecutive year. Fostering an inclusive and diverse work environment is critical to our success as a firm. At Lehman Brothers, we operate as a meritocracy. This means we ensure that individuals succeed based on their own talent, ambition and initiative, and that they are not inhibited by any barriers in the workplace. To meet the needs of our global client base and to generate the best ideas for all our clients, we strive to hire, develop and retain the very best people from the widest available pool of talent. Clearly the LGBT community represents a significant and critical component of that talent pool and we are committed to maintaining an environment where LGBT employees can maximize their potential and contribution to the firm.”

Lucent

“We are proud to be recognized with a perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, for the fourth year in a row. From our beginnings, we recognized that valuing the contributions of all our employees — regardless of their race, gender, culture, background, age or sexual orientation — was a business necessity. This commitment to diversity has never been simply a choice we’ve made — it’s part of who we are as a company. Our employees recognize how our differences bring various perspectives, opinions and ideas to bear on our company’s mission. Whether it’s in our recruiting efforts, company-sponsored programs or the way our employees treat each other, our culture is one of respect. We will continue striving for leadership as an open and diverse workplace.”

Merrill Lynch

Dan Cochran, Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Rainbow Professional Network, Merrill Lynch

“Merrill Lynch is proud to have received a perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. The CEI is a critical resource for current and prospective employees, clients and investors looking for companies that value and champion diversity.”

MetLife

“We are extremely honored to, once again, be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign with a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index. Our corporate vision to build financial freedom for everyone is all-inclusive for a reason. We recognize that our employees have diverse strengths, our customers have diverse financial needs, and we are committed to ensuring that respect for diversity remains ingrained in our culture.”

Microsoft Corporation

Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft Corporation
“Microsoft is proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its achievements toward an equitable workplace. We value the ideas and leadership all our employees provide, no matter who they are. This inclusive approach is crucial to our business, and we are working to be an industry leader in diversity.”

Miller Brewing Company

Mike Jones, General Counsel and Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Miller Brewing Company

“Miller Brewing Company is proud of its longstanding commitment to diversity. We are thrilled that this commitment has been recognized with our third consecutive rating of 100 percent from the Human Rights Campaign. Our employees and consumers are a reflection of society at large and we are proud that we continue to be recognized and honored for our policies and business approach.”

Morrison & Foerster

Keith C. Wetmore, Chair, Morrison & Foerster LLP

“Morrison & Foerster is proud of the diversity of our people and is honored to be recognized again by the HRC Foundation with a 100 percent score on the Corporate Equality Index for our commitment to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender diversity. At Morrison & Foerster, our overriding mission is to deliver success for our clients. We believe that our people and their innovative thinking remain our best competitive advantage in pursuing our clients’ interests. We value diversity and multiple points of view, and we believe that this diversity is key to creating an environment that fosters innovative thinking. We also believe that our diversity represents a competitive asset to our clients as we represent them in diverse business communities and in front of diverse juries. We are committed to supporting the GLBT community within and outside the firm and are proud to be frequently recognized by the HRC Foundation for that commitment.”

Motorola

“Motorola is delighted to be recognized once again by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. This year’s 100 percent ranking on the Corporate Equality Index
demonstrates clearly that our commitment to diversity is real and working. This is both consistent with our values and good business practice. Wherever we do business, we strive to create a culture and work environment where all Motorolans contribute to their maximum potential because they feel welcome, respected and valued. When this happens, we’re stronger and more competitive in the global marketplace — which is good for everyone with a stake in Motorola’s success.”

Nationwide

“We are honored to once again receive a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index. At Nationwide, we recognized that our ability to back up our ‘On Your Side’ promise to customers means we must focus first on our associates. We are committed to building an inclusive work environment in which all associates feel valued. We have long offered household member benefits and include sexual orientation and gender identity in our non-discrimination and no-harassment policies. This is vital to attract, retain and develop a diverse workforce to respond to the needs of our customers.”

Nordstrom Inc.

Deanna Talley, Corporate Diversity Affairs Director, Nordstrom Inc.

“It’s exciting to see a 100 percent rating on the 2005 HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. As a company we are committed to promoting diversity through our hiring, community involvement, vendor programs and marketing efforts. We remain dedicated to creating a work environment where everyone feels comfortable and welcome.”

The Olivia Companies

“The Olivia Companies is proud to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign with a 100 percent score on the Corporate Equality Index. Olivia’s business directly supports the work that HRC does in bringing equality to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. Diversity is at the heart of our human resources philosophy. We believe that the diversity of our team is a business asset that helps us deliver outstanding service to our customers. In fact, Olivia’s business mission is to connect, transform and celebrate the lives of lesbians, and their families and friends. We bring the spirit of that mission to our customers, we embrace it at our jobs and we live it in our private lives. We look forward to our continued partnership with HRC on workplace and other community issues.” [Watch the video statement]

Owens Corning

David T. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer, Owens Corning

“We are honored to be recognized for the second consecutive year with a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index. We believe true diversity gives Owens Corning a sustainable competitive edge through people, and this acknowledgement is another step toward achieving that goal. Creating a company that embraces the uniqueness of each and every employee is at the heart of developing, attracting and retaining extraordinary talent, and delivering the innovative solutions and quality products our customers deserve.”

PepsiCo

“At PepsiCo, we believe that diversity and equality are benchmarks of our business, and we work hard to foster an inclusive environment where all our employees feel comfortable. Our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender employee group, EQUAL, has made great strides in supporting, educating and providing resources for our associates and the communities we live in. We are truly honored to be recognized with a perfect score on the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. To us, HRC represents the idea that everyone has equal opportunity to succeed and reach his or her highest potential. As HRC salutes us with this recognition, we salute HRC for its efforts in making our world a more inclusive place.”

Pfizer Inc.

“At Pfizer, the importance of creating an inclusive environment where diversity of background, thought and experience is practiced and valued. Our policies reflect that philosophy by mandating equal treatment for all employees globally without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. So too does our recognition of same-sex domestic partners for benefits ranging from medical coverage to adoption assistance as well as our thriving LGBT networking groups, which are involved with many charitable and educational activities both within Pfizer and in their local communities. Pfizer’s score of 100 percent for the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index for the second consecutive year reflects our active commitment to attracting, developing and retaining the most talented workforce available.”

Prudential Financial

Arthur F. Ryan, Chairman and CEO, Prudential Financial

“Prudential Financial is proud of the recognition received from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. Diversity continues to be key to the ongoing success of our company, and we remain committed to ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment for all people.”

Replacements Ltd.

Bob Page, President, Replacements Ltd.

“We are thrilled to once again score a perfect 100 percent in the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. We take very seriously the idea that all employees deserve to be treated with respect and in ways that honor their dignity. When we judge our employees, we do so on the basis of job performance. Decisions based on an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression have no place in business, and I think successful businesses understand that very clearly.”

SBC Communications Inc.

“SBC Communications is pleased to receive a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. We take pride in this rating, as it is evidence of our company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. We recognize that diversity complements our success in the marketplace. In fostering diversity, SBC has created a better business environment, one that makes the company an employer of choice, a preferred business partner and an important contributor to the community. We take a holistic approach to promote an environment of inclusion — one in which each individual is valued and every voice is heard. We appreciate the Human Rights Campaign for recognizing our GLBT-inclusive initiatives.”

Sprint Nextel

“Sprint Nextel works hard to create and maintain an inclusive culture — one where every person’s unique skills, experiences and ideas are seen as crucial elements for achieving success. We are proud of our 100 percent score from HRC and believe it reflects our continuing commitment to inclusion and it is an important marker among many that shows we’re making progress as an employer of choice.”

SunTrust Banks Inc.

“SunTrust is proud of the diversity initiatives it implements to raise the quality of our workforce and the well-being of employees.
“That is why it is so gratifying to receive HRC’s highest ranking for our efforts. Our recognition and respect for the uniqueness of individuals is a way of life that directly affects the success of our business in an ever-expanding and competitive marketplace.”

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. Inc.

“Toyota Motor Sales is honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign with a perfect score on the Corporate Equality Index. Diversity provides Toyota with a competitive advantage; understanding, embracing and leveraging our differences enables us to achieve our business goals. At Toyota, we acknowledge and support the diversity of sexual orientation and gender expression. Toyota recognizes its responsibility to both its employees and customers, and considers Diversity and Inclusion an integral part of every aspect of the business.”

Washington Mutual

“Washington Mutual values inclusiveness and diversity in our business and in the communities we serve. In fact, we view workforce diversity as a key competitive advantage and fundamental to our continued business success. That’s why we are honored to have received a perfect score on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index. We strive to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for our GLBT employees. Our corporate values embrace a basic respect for and appreciation of the contributions made by every employee. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we welcome people of all backgrounds who are interested in a challenging and rewarding career with WaMu, one of the nation’s leading financial services companies.”

Wells Fargo

Avid Modjtabai, Human Resources Director, Wells Fargo

“Wells Fargo is thrilled to be awarded a perfect score by the Human Rights Campaign for the second year in a row. For more than 150 years, Wells Fargo has understood the importance of hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and we continue to be committed to building a culture that values diversity. We have a proud history of working hard to serve the needs of diverse communities and we actively serve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender customers, community programs and team members. We believe that Wells Fargo is successful because of diversity and by making diversity a competitive advantage, we can make the company a better place to work, better understand the diverse customers’ needs, give customers and communities outstanding service and deliver more value to our stockholders.”

Xerox Corporation

“Xerox relies on internal and external measures to ensure its programs and policies effectively nurture an inclusive workplace environment — and earning a 100 percent rating on the Corporate Equality Index four out of four years is an important benchmark. It recognizes our partnership and relationship in support of our LGBT caucus group and responsiveness to any concerns and suggestions that potentially enhance our effort to create an inclusive environment for LGBT employees.
“This commitment is part of Xerox’s overall mission to sustain and build a workplace that welcomes different people, different thinking, different perspectives. We view diversity as an opportunity, one that helps us be a stronger company and a stronger partner for our customers and employees.”